Mark Chrisler, a resident of Bozeman, found himself increasingly frustrated by the national news coverage he encountered daily. Initially, like many, he voiced his reactions and concerns on Facebook, engaging in the digital discourse that has become so commonplace. However, the transient nature of social media posts, coupled with his deep-seated desire for a more substantial and lasting impact, led him down an unexpected path: writing a book. Chrisler, who playfully describes himself as a “curmudgeon,” felt a compelling urge to confront what he perceived as widespread misinformation, particularly in the realm of advertising. His 31-page self-published work, titled “Wake Up America,” emerged from this personal conviction, a hopeful attempt to shed light on issues he believes are negatively affecting society. He emphasizes that his intentions are neither alarmist nor rooted in conspiracy theories, but rather a genuine desire to identify and help solve problems he observes around him. This endeavor, born from social media frustrations, became his personal mission to spark a wider, more meaningful conversation, aiming to equip readers with tools for critical thinking and engagement with the world.
Chrisler readily acknowledges that certain sections of his book adopt a strong stance against MAGA conservatives, a position he is entirely comfortable with. Yet, he is quick to clarify that his objective is not to demonize this group but rather to offer a constructive, albeit unconventional, approach to engagement. He made a deliberate choice to open his book with a chapter focused on health, viewing it as a roundabout yet effective way to help foster a more receptive mindset. His reasoning is pragmatic: “You’re not going to change these MAGA people,” he asserts, “But if you get them to run around the block or eat better, they might feel better and less angry.” This seemingly simple approach underscores a deeper philosophy: that improving one’s physical well-being can lead to enhanced mental clarity and a more open perspective. This initial chapter, delivered with a no-nonsense tone, provides straightforward advice for adopting healthier lifestyle habits. Chrisler stresses that even minor adjustments, such as a brief walk, a seven-minute workout routine, or incorporating a breakfast smoothie, can yield significant benefits. He posits these personal improvements as an essential first step, a foundational act of “fixing ourselves,” before one can effectively tackle the larger societal issues that he delves into in later chapters. It’s a call to individual empowerment as a prerequisite for collective betterment.
Following the personal focus on health, Chrisler expands his critique to broader societal concerns, dedicating the subsequent three chapters to dissecting the issues of toxic corporations, environmental degradation, and the complexities of politics. He argues passionately that a common thread of greed underpins the problems prevalent in all three of these domains. Interestingly, despite his critical stance on corporate practices, Chrisler self-identifies as “as capitalistic as you can get,” attributing this perspective to his formative years spent working on Wall Street. This background provides a unique vantage point, grounding his critiques not in anti-capitalist sentiment, but rather in a desire to see capitalism function more ethically and responsibly. He clarifies his objective: “I’m not trying to change corporate America,” he explains, “I’m trying to change the people that watch these things, and (get them to) hit mute during the ads.” This statement encapsulates his belief that individual awareness and consumer action are powerful tools, capable of influencing corporate behavior by demanding greater transparency and accountability. His goal is to empower citizens to critically engage with the relentless flow of consumerism and information.
The genesis of “Wake Up America” traces back to Chrisler’s extensive Facebook posts, which initially served as his platform for reacting to President Trump’s first administration. He vividly recalls being profoundly angered by what he perceived as the president’s continuous challenge to longstanding national norms. Beyond policy concerns, he expressed deep disgust at Trump’s remarks about women and the numerous allegations of sexual assault against him. As a father of two daughters and a devoted husband, Chrisler found these aspects particularly troubling. He reflects, “As father of two daughters and (having) a wonderful wife, I would think that would dissuade some of (Trump’s supporters),” adding, “But when it doesn’t, that scares you.” This personal vulnerability reveals the emotional core of his activism. Looking ahead, Chrisler expresses confidence that a decline in the president’s favorability in polls will pave the way for a “blue wave” in upcoming elections, which he views as a much-needed and welcome shift in the political landscape. He sees this potential change as a beacon of hope, signifying a move towards what he perceives as more compassionate leadership.
Chrisler holds a strong belief in the compassionate nature of Democrats, particularly highlighting their empathy for immigrants and individuals experiencing hardship. His personal experiences profoundly shaped this perspective. Having raised his children in Berkeley, California, he developed a deep respect and admiration for Latino immigrant communities during his time there. He considers this immersive experience a stroke of luck, acknowledging that such opportunities are far more challenging to replicate in his current home of Montana. Consequently, Chrisler observed with a profound sense of horror the surge of ICE raids that occurred during Trump’s second term, measures that directly contradicted the values he had come to cherish. He harbors expectations that a regaining of power by Democrats would lead to a cooling of hostility towards immigrants. However, he is also pragmatic, recognizing that a “blue wave” alone will not miraculously resolve all the complex issues he outlines in his book. “I’m not exonerating them,” Chrisler admits, humbly acknowledging that “Democrats are beholden to those big companies, too.” This nuanced perspective reveals a man who, while clearly aligning with certain political ideologies, is not blind to the imperfections and challenges within his preferred political sphere.
In a move that is sure to spark debate, Chrisler dedicates a chapter to religion, where he makes sweeping claims about Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. He posits that these major faiths are primarily used as tools of control, starkly contrasting them with Buddhism, which he identifies as the only mainstream religion holding genuine promise. However, Chrisler candidly acknowledges a moment of personal reckoning within this very chapter. He admits that some of his statements regarding Islam, such as his assertion that denying women education is a religious tenet, inadvertently subjected him to the very misinformation his book aims to combat. He recounts his surprise upon learning that not only do women in Iran, an Islamic theocracy, attend school, but they have actually surpassed male attendance in universities since 2001. This revelation prompted a moment of self-reflection and humility, leading him to declare, “I don’t have an Islamophobic bone in my body. I need to update my information.” This willingness to admit error and revise his understanding underscores his commitment to seeking truth, even when it challenges his own preconceived notions. Chrisler understands that no single individual or book can solve the monumental issues he raises concerning health, the environment, politics, and religion. Ultimately, his overarching goal remains refreshingly simple. His deep-seated concerns about misinformation are perhaps best encapsulated by his particular disdain for a specific commercial: one for a motorized device called LegXercise Pro. Chrisler sees the marketing of this machine, which purports health benefits from merely moving a person’s feet for them, as the epitome of misleading advertising. His humble measure of success for his book boils down to this: “I’m hoping people will stop buying those machines. If they just do that, I’ll consider my book a success.” Despite his “curmudgeonly” self-description, Chrisler emphasizes that he is not perpetually angry. He finds joy and solace in the company of his dogs and his 4-year-old granddaughter. Yet, beneath this personal contentment, he senses a significant societal reckoning on the horizon for the United States, and he felt an urgent need to voice his concerns and contribute to a more informed public discourse while he still had the opportunity.